Uxbridge taxpayers are watching the bottom line

Until the vote is called and counted, Uxbridge taxpayers can't be sure how much higher their local tax bill will be this year, but it looks like a 3.77-per cent hike is sitting well with politicians.

That's the figure on the table, with council expected to approve the municipal budget during its Feb. 11 meeting. The proposed property tax hike reflects hours of political debate, poring over budget documents and requests from each township department, and trying to balance tomorrow's projected financial needs with today's realities.

This budget prudently includes a one-per cent hike for the fire department alone, as it prepares for construction of a new firehall the municipality has long been aware is needed. Taxpayers can expect future budgets to also reflect the needs of the fire department as the new hall gets up to speed. But another major project on the horizon is the Brock Street culvert, expected to cost $10 million when all is said and done. Carrying the Uxbridge Brook north under the downtown streets, the culvert will need to be upgraded, as it's been identified as a major flood risk. With each budget, the Township needs to look ahead and tuck money away for major capital projects such as these.

The challenges facing Uxbridge will not get easier. Already, Councillor Jacob Mantle has identified a problematic area to be discussed next year: the costs of various assets within the township, such as the Foster Memorial, the Uxbridge Historical Centre, and several community halls.

Given that last year's tax hike was 4.6 per cent, councillors and staff have done a good job of whittling things down to a manageable 3.77-per cent hike this year. Uxbridge politicians are cognizant of two seemingly conflicting realities: the limitations of the taxpayer, and the pressing needs of community infrastructure. It reflects well on municipal leaders, therefore, when they seek out alternate sources of funding and revenue, and plan wisely for the future so that items such as culverts and firehalls don't become a financial nightmare or emergency. Uxbridge has done, and continues to do, just that.

Capital and operating budgets ultimately translate into life as we know it: libraries, parks, playgrounds, recreation programs, road upgrades, and all the things needed to keep the community humming.

The Township has done a thorough and responsible job with this year's financial planning. And for taxpayers, that's the bottom line.
-- Uxbridge Times-Journal